I've been thinking lately about the work that arts presenters do—those unsung heroes who curate performances and create programming for communities small and large.

Presenters choose the artists, often select repertoire, promote the events, grow audiences, and raise the necessary funds to keep it all going.

In our morphing performing arts industry, the roles of the presenter, artist, and manager have all become increasingly fluid, with artists creating their own home series (becoming part-time presenters), and managers at times acting as producers/presenters.

The truth is we are ALL in the business of presenting: we all work to connect the arts experience with our community.  

Every once in a while, I come across an example of especially inspiring programming and its communication. Take a look below: a recent email I received from the series at the Rubin Art Museum, which is devoted to work from the Himalayas, where Tim McHenry is the Director of Public Programs and Performance.

First of all, the subject line drew me in—if you can't get folks to open your email, it's a problem. And I love how the message gets personal: addressing me, the reader, and the sheer inventiveness of the pairing of speakers. The music programming is just as provocative, because Tim looks to find artists who will perform music informed and responding to the museum's collection: take a look.

For this week: Notice what programming (and communication) is getting you to stop and notice—what draws you in? I'd love to see your top picks of late—write in and share!

Subject: What makes Julianne Moore, Neil LaBute, Laurie Anderson or indeed ANYONE happy?

 

Just how happy are you?

 

Central to Buddhist belief is the alleviation of suffering - with the end result a form of happiness.

 

Central to our founding fathers’ belief was the right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

 

But do these two expressions of Enlightened thought mean the same thing? That’s for us to find out this fall in a new series Happy Talk.

 

In eclectic Rubin Museum fashion, Elaine Stritch will speak with Duke University neuroscientist Murali Doraiswamy about the highs and lows of the life she has lead; Julianne Moore will join developmental psychologist Alison Gopnik for a discussion about the role of family in fostering a happy life; Neil LaBute is paired with rocker Aimee Mann; writer A.M. Homes with psychiatrist Mark Epstein, Laurie Anderson with TED star speaker Daniel Gilbert, Rosanne Cash and John Leventhal with two other singing couples…

 

The first set of conversations are available on www.rmanyc.org/happytalk

 

For details about working with me, see my SITE. 

Monday Bytes archived posts are HERE.

 

Dream big, Plan smart, Live well!